New twist for Mason Greenwood as Fenerbahce issue blunt statement after manager resignation
· Mirror
The managerial drama at Fenerbahce has thrown Mason Greenwood's new club into chaos
There's been yet another twist in the management drama at Fenerbahce. Mason Greenwood's new club have released a statement insisting that head coach Ismail Kartal is "still in his position."
The update came late on Friday, just 24 hours after Kartal publicly resigned following his side's 1-1 Champions League draw with Roma. Former Manchester United forward Greenwood, 24, has endured a turbulent time since moving to the club from Marseille this summer, due to the club's poor form and subsequent saga involving Kartal.
The drama ignited as Kartal announced in his post-match press conference after the Roma tie that he was to leave his post. However, Fenerbahce president Aziz Yildirim refused to sanction Kartal's departure.
Yildirim said in a statement released on Fenerbahce's website: "Ismail Kartal is still in charge. The club should support our coach. Until I leave, Ismail Kartal is the head coach of Fenerbahce."
That stance has since been reiterated with a blunt communication posted on Friday. The club said: "Our Head Coach, Mr. İsmail Kartal, is still in his position.
> "Our team will continue preparations for the Gaziantep FK match with a training session tomorrow at 11.30am under the direction of our Head Coach İsmail Kartal. We hereby inform the public."
Kartal only returned to Fenerbahce for his fourth spell as manager this summer. Speaking to the media following the club's midweek Champions League clash, the 65-year-old said: "I am resigning from my position while there is still time. I am resigning with the understanding that I will never return.
> "I have been here for three months. From the beginning of the season until today, the training sessions and camps I conducted with my players … our president and managers tried to help us in every way.
> "Those were wonderful days. As of this evening, I congratulate my players, and I am resigning from my position. Therefore, I would like to thank all my fans, media members, staff, and fellow players who have supported me until today. I made this decision to pave the way for my club. We made this decision together as a team."
Kartal won the Turkish Super Cup during his first spell in charge in 2014, while as a player he won two league titles with the club. However, Fenerbahce have struggled so far this season.
They currently sit ninth in the Turkish top-flight. President Yildirim slammed the attitude of the club's fans and the media for putting "pressure" on Kartal.
At his press conference, the manager alluded to the criticism, noting that he was hit with a water bottle from the stands during the Roma game. His shock announcement sent shockwaves through the club.
English full-back Archie Brown was taken by surprise when told of his manager's resignation after the Roma game. Quizzed whether Kartal had told his players that he was resigning from the team, Brown seemed puzzled.
He was then informed that his manager had quit in the post-match conference, prompting Brown to say: "As coach? He’s not the coach any more? I didn't know about this."
The impending change of management comes just two months of Greenwood's signing. Fenerbahce paid Marseille around £33million for the one-time England international, with United receiving £13million. Greenwood has featured 11 times so far. He has scored four goals and registered three assists.